GAS VACUOLE Meaning and
Definition
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A gas vacuole refers to a specialized structure found within certain prokaryotes, such as cyanobacteria. It is an intracellular, membrane-bound organelle responsible for regulating buoyancy by controlling the volume of gas inside it. It consists of a hollow, gas-filled chamber enclosed by a single or multiple lipid bilayer membranes.
Gas vacuoles serve as dynamic flotation devices, allowing the bacterium to float at a certain depth within the water column, providing optimal conditions for photosynthesis and nutrient acquisition. By manipulating the volume of gas inside the vacuole, the prokaryote can adjust its buoyancy to move up or down vertically in the water column.
The gas vacuole membrane is composed of protein and lipid components and houses a unique protein called gas vesicle. This protein forms a conical-shaped structure that fills the interior of the gas vacuole and, in conjunction with other proteins, forms a network to strengthen the membrane. This structural integrity ensures that the gas vacuole remains stable under varying pressures and prevents the collapse of the vacuole.
The gas within the vacuole is primarily composed of oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes carbon dioxide, depending on the environmental conditions. It is actively regulated by gas vesicle proteins, allowing the bacterium to maintain its desired position in the water column.
Overall, gas vacuoles are crucial adaptations for buoyancy control in prokaryotes, enabling them to thrive in a diverse range of aquatic habitats and optimize their access to light and nutrients for metabolic activities.
Common Misspellings for GAS VACUOLE
- fas vacuole
- vas vacuole
- bas vacuole
- has vacuole
- yas vacuole
- tas vacuole
- gzs vacuole
- gss vacuole
- gws vacuole
- gqs vacuole
- gaa vacuole
- gaz vacuole
- gax vacuole
- gad vacuole
- gae vacuole
- gaw vacuole
- gas cacuole
- gas bacuole
- gas gacuole
- gas facuole
Etymology of GAS VACUOLE
The term "gas vacuole" is formed by combining two words: "gas" and "vacuole".
The word "gas" originated from the Greek word "khaos", which means "empty space" or "emptiness". It entered English through the Latin word "chaos". Over time, "gas" evolved to refer specifically to a substance in a gaseous state.
On the other hand, "vacuole" comes from the Latin word "vacuus", which means "empty" or "vacant". In biology, a vacuole is a small cavity or space within a cell that contains fluid or air.
When these two words are combined, "gas vacuole" implies a gaseous-filled space or cavity, often found in bacteria or other microorganisms. The term is commonly used in microbiology to describe intracellular structures that help these organisms adjust their buoyancy in water.
